Modular sleeve systems

ABSTRACT

A modular sleeve system includes a sleeve including a panel, a connector, and a strap. The panel forms a hollow body having a first end and an opposite second end, the hollow body defines a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the first opening has a shoulder portion and an underarm portion. The connector is coupled to the panel. The strap is coupled to the panel and adapted to be received by the connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/243,362, filed on Sep. 13, 2021 and entitled “MODULARSLEEVE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS,” and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/299,223, filed on Jan. 13, 2022 and entitled “MODULARSLEEVE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS.” The contents of each application areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the art of apparel and, more particularly,to a modular sleeve system.

BACKGROUND

When donning apparel, such as body armor, a uniform, or sporting gear,it is common for a sleeveless article to be worn, such as for example abulletproof vest, a plate carrier, a safety vest, a fishing wader orvest, a poncho, or the like. While such a vest may at least partiallycover the user's torso, it leaves the arms fully exposed, not only tothe elements, but also to potential damage or injury in somecircumstances of use. In some situations, added arm covering is desired,but in others, it is not necessary. Yet, such optional arm coverings arenot known to be available for current arrangements of vests.

Optional arm coverings could also be desired in other situations besideswhen wearing a vest. For example, a user of a backpack may desire toprotect their arms in a similar manner as when wearing a vest, such aswhen hiking on a hot day to keep off the sunburn, mosquitos or otherpests, and abrasions, without having to put on a jacket. Any such armcovering could also provide for additional storage options in additionto those afforded by the pack, and additionally could provide easieraccess to such stored items.

Accordingly, a need is identified for an item of apparel that overcomesthe foregoing concerns and possibly others that have yet to bediscovered.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a modular sleeve system includes a sleeve including apanel, a connector, and a strap. The panel forms a hollow body having afirst end and an opposite second end, the hollow body defines a firstopening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, thefirst opening has a shoulder portion and an underarm portion. Theconnector is coupled to the panel. The strap is coupled to the panel andadapted to be received by the connector.

In another embodiment, a modular sleeve system includes a first sleeveand a second sleeve spaced apart from the first sleeve. Each of thefirst sleeve and the second sleeve includes a panel and a strap. Thepanel forms a hollow body having a first end and an opposite second end,the hollow body defines a first opening at the first end and a secondopening at the second end, the first opening has a shoulder portion andan underarm portion positioned closer to the second opening than theshoulder portion. The strap is coupled to the panel. At least one of thefirst sleeve and the second sleeve includes a connector coupled to therespective panel and adapted to receive the strap of either the firstsleeve or the second sleeve.

In yet another embodiment, a modular sleeve system includes an item ofapparel including a shoulder portion that extends between a shoulder anda neck of a wearer, the shoulder portion having a thickness, and asleeve including a panel, a connector, and a strap. The panel forms ahollow body having a first end and an opposite second end, the hollowbody defines a first opening at the first end and a second opening atthe second end, the first opening has a shoulder portion and an underarmportion. The connector is coupled to the panel. The strap is coupled tothe panel and adapted to be received by the connector. The connector isspaced apart a distance from a position that the strap is coupled to thepanel, the distance being greater than the thickness of the shoulderportion to allow the strap of the sleeve to extend around the shoulderportion and couple to the connector.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of a modular sleeve system wornby a wearer, the sleeve system including a first sleeve attached to asecond sleeve, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve detached from the second sleeve, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve attached to a vest,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve attached to anothervest, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve attached to abackpack, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 6 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve each including asecond strap for connecting the first sleeve and the second sleevearound a front of the wearer, according to one or more embodiments shownand described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a partial front perspective view of one of the sleeves ofthe modular sleeve system of FIG. 1 including a cinch around an openingto adjust the size of the opening, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 including a removable liner for each sleeve, according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve attached to a pair ofwaders, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 being rolled up and inserted into a pocket of a vest, accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with each sleeve including reflectors and being attached to ahigh-visibility vest, according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein; and

FIG. 12 depicts a front perspective view of the modular sleeve system ofFIG. 1 with the first sleeve and the second sleeve attached to a poncho,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and likenumerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that processor other changes may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by theappended claims and their equivalents. In accordance with thedisclosure, an automated drilling system is hereinafter described.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 , a modular sleeve system 10 is shown.In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve system 10 comprises twosleeves, such as a first sleeve 12 and a second sleeve 14, which may beadapted for being worn on the respective arms of the user. The secondsleeve 14 may be spaced apart from and selectively attachable to thefirst sleeve 12, as will be described in further detail below. Thus, asshown, the sleeves 12, 14 may each extend from a first end 12 a, 14 afor at least partially covering the user's corresponding upper arm andshoulder, to a second end 12 b, 14 b associated with the user's forearmand wrist. The sleeves 12, 14 may each include a panel 13, a strap 20 a,20 b, and a connector 22 a, 22 b. The panel 13 may be coupled along aseam 15 to define a hollow body 17 having the first end 12 a, 14 a andthe second end 12 b, 14 b opposite the first end 12 a, 14 a. The hollowbody 17 may define a first opening 19 at the first end 12 a, 14 a and asecond opening 21 at the second end 12 b, 14 b. The first opening 19 maybe positioned obliquely to a length of the seam 15 such that the firstopening 19 includes a shoulder portion 19 a and an underarm portion 19 bthat is positioned closer to the second opening 21 than the shoulderportion 19 a.

Each second end 12 b, 14 b and the corresponding second opening 21 maybe smaller, or narrower, than the first end 12 a, 14 a and thecorresponding first opening 19 such that each sleeve 12, 14 is tapereddown from the first end 12 a, 14 a and first opening 19 to the secondend 12 b, 14 b and second opening 21. As will be described furtherbelow, the first end 12 a, 14 a may be provided with the ability toadjust the size of the first opening 19, such as by providing a cinch16, and the opposite, second end 12 b, 14 b may be provided with asimilar ability, such as by providing an adjustable strap 18 at thesecond end 12 b, 14 b that is adapted to adjust a size of the secondopening 21.

The panel 13 may further include an extension 12 c, 14 c that extendsfrom the shoulder portion 19 a of the first opening 19 at the first end12 a away from the hollow body 17 of the panel 13 to overlay a wearer'sshoulders. The extensions 12 c, 14 c may be tapered and allow for adegree of flexibility in terms of the length of the user's arms and therespective coverage afforded, and may also include a loop 12 d forconnecting with a connector 22 a as shown in the enlargement associatedwith FIG. 1 .

The sleeves 12, 14 may be adapted to interconnect with each other. Thismay be achieved by providing each sleeve 12, 14 with a connectorassembly 23 in the form of the elongated strap 20 a, 20 b and theassociated connector, or buckle, 22 a, 22 b connected to the extension12 c, 14 c at the wider end 12 a, 12 b overlying the user's shoulders.While the depicted connector 22 a, 22 b is a tri-glide buckle, it iscontemplated and possible that the connector 22 a, 22 b may be anyconnector for attaching to the strap 20 a, 20 b, such as, for example,buttons, buckles, or the like. The connector 22 a, 22 b may be coupledat a first end 25 a of the extension 12 c, 14 c opposite a second end 25b attached to the panel 13. The strap 20 a, 20 b may be coupled to thehollow body 17 of the panel 13 adjacent the extension 12 c, 14 c andextend toward the connector 22 a, 22 b to be adapted to be received bythe connector 22 a, 22 b. While the sleeves 12, 14 are each depictedincluding a connector 22 a, 22 b, it is contemplated and possible thatonly one of the sleeve 12, 14 include a connector 22 a or 22 b that isadapted to receive one or both of the straps 20 a, 20 b.

The panel 13 may include a passage 27 coupled to the extension 12 c, 14c for at least partially receiving the strap 20 a, 20 b so that thestrap 20 a, 20 b may be fed through the passage 27 before coupling tothe connector 22 a, 22 b. The extension 12 c, 14 c may additionally oralternatively include a high friction surface 29 to prevent the strap 20a, 20 b from moving relative to the connector 22 a, 22 b and/or theextension 12 c, 14 c when the strap 20 a, 20 b contacts the extension 12c, 14 c. The high friction surface 29 may include a higher coefficientof friction than a coefficient of friction of the hollow body 17 of thepanel 13.

Thus, as perhaps best understood by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2 , in onepossible use of the modular sleeve system 10, the strap 20 a of a firstsleeve 12 may be threaded through the connectors 22 a, 22 b, andvice-versa, in order to connect the sleeves 12, 14 across a user's torso(back in the illustrated embodiment, but a front connection is alsopossible, as noted below). The length of the straps 20 a, 20 b may beprovided so as to allow for a wide range of adjustability to accommodatedifferent sizes of users, depending on the width of their torso or thelength of their arms.

As also shown in FIG. 1 , one or both sleeves 12, 14 may be providedwith a one or more pockets. For example, a first pocket 26 may becoupled to the panel 13 positioned on a forearm portion 31 of the panel13 adjacent to a user's elbow. A protective insert 30 may be positionedinside the first pocket 26. The protective insert 30 may be a protectivematerial, such as a cushion made of a compressible material (e.g.,foam), a rigid insert to protect against acute impact forces (e.g.,steel, aluminum, or other metal), or the like. The first pocket 26 mayinclude a closure 28, such as a hook-and-loop type of fastener, azipper, or the like.

A second pocket 24 may be formed in the panel 13 and positioned on anupper arm portion 33 of the panel 13. The second pocket 24 may include aclosure, such as those described above in reference to the first pocket26. Additional external hook-and-loop fastener panels 32 may also beprovided, such as for receiving removable badges or emblems (which couldalso be permanently attached to the sleeves 12, 14). The hook-and-loopfastener panels 32 may be positioned over the second pocket 24. Theforearm portion 31 of the panel 13 covers a forearm of the wearer, andthe upper arm portion 33 covers an upper arm of the wearer.

As can be understood from FIG. 3 , it is also possible using thisarrangement to connect one or both of the sleeves 12, 14 to an item ofsleeveless apparel, such as vest V (which could include a fishing wader,life preserver, construction vest, safety vest, or the like). Theapparel may include a shoulder portion P that has a thickness and thatextends between shoulders and a neck of the wearer. The extension 14 cmay extend a length away from the hollow body 17 of the panel 13 that isgreater than the thickness of the shoulder portion P so that theextension 12 c, 14 c may be adapted to extend under the shoulder portionP of the item of apparel to allow the strap 20 a, 20 b of the sleeve 12,14 to extend around the shoulder portion P of the item of apparel andcouple to the connector 22 a, 22 b on the extension 12 c, 14 c. Theextension 12 c 14 c, may extend a distance such that the connector 22 a,22 b is spaced apart a distance from a position that the strap 20 a, 20b is coupled to the panel 13, the distance being greater than thethickness of the shoulder portion P to allow the strap 20 a, 20 b toextend around the shoulder portion P and couple to the connector 22 a,22 b. The extension 12 c, 14 c may be passed under a strap or shoulderportion P of the vest V and connected to the strap 20 b via theconnector 22 b. Particularly, the extension 12 c, 14 c may be adapted toextend under the shoulder portion P to allow the strap 20 a, 20 b of thesleeve 12, 14 to extend over the shoulder portion P and couple to theconnector 22 a, 22 b on the extension 12 c, 14 c. Thus, as can beunderstood from connected sleeve 12, the passage of the strap 20 athrough the connector 22 a thus forms a loop around the shoulder portionP of the vest V. This serves to removably attach and secure the sleeves12, 14 to the vest V, and thus provide optional covering for one or bothof the user's arms, as desired. Indeed, it is possible for the sleeves12, 14 to be provided (e.g., sold or distributed) as part of the vest V,and then selectively removed if desired by the user. While FIG. 3depicts a vest, the apparel may be any apparel having straps or shoulderportions that permit the extension 12 c, 14 c to extend under theapparel and connect to the straps of the sleeves. Additional embodimentsof the apparel will be described in further detail below, particularly,with reference to FIGS. 4-5, 9, and 11-12 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a similar approach, but one in which the shoulderportion P is narrower in width. The strap 20 b can still be attached to(e.g., looped around) and connected to the connector 22 b of sleeve 14,as shown in completed form on sleeve 12. A passage 34 may be providedfor receiving and retaining the free end of the strap 20 a.Alternatively or additionally, the passage 27 may be a loop to provide ahold-down for the strap 20 b.

FIG. 5 illustrates that a similar arrangement may be used in connectionwith a backpack B. Specifically, the shoulder portion P may be abackpack shoulder strap S, and the strap 20 b of sleeve 14 may bewrapped around the backpack shoulder strap S and secured in place aspreviously described (including in connection with the passage 34 orpassage 27). A similar arrangement may be used in connection with sleeve12. As can be appreciated, the provision of one or more pockets 24, 26in the sleeve(s) 12 or 14 also expands the storage capability affordedby the backpack B.

In any of the above situations, the extension 14 c may also be providedwith the high friction surface 29, such as by providing a plurality ofelastomeric (rubber) protrusions 38. These protrusions 38 may contactthe underside surface of the shoulder portion P and thus help to preventthe sleeve 14 (or 12) once connected from moving about when donned bythe user.

FIG. 6 further illustrates the inclusion of an optional chest strap,such as a second strap 40 in the sleeve system 10 for assisting insecuring the sleeves 12, 14 to the user. The second strap 40 maycomprise adjustable portions 40 a, 40 b, each having a connector 40 c(e.g., mating male portion and female receptacle) configured toselectively couple to the connector 40 c of the other sleeve, therebyforming a connection across the user's chest. A similar arrangementcould be used in lieu of the straps 20 a, 20 b and connectors 22 a, 22b. The second strap 40 may be spaced apart from the straps 20 a, 20 b onthe extensions 12 c, 14 c of the sleeves 12, 14, and extend from thefirst opening 19. Each sleeve 12, 14 may include a slit 35 formed in thepanel 13 at the first end 12 a adjacent the first opening 19 that isadapted to receive the second strap 40. The respective connector 40 cmay be coupled to the second strap 40 and configured to receive an endof the second strap 40 that is fed through the slit 35 to couple thesecond strap 40 to the panel 13.

The detail of FIG. 7 shows how the cinch 16 may optionally be providedat the upper, wider end of the sleeves 12, 14, such as at the first end12 a of the hollow body 17. Specifically, first and second lengths 16 a,16 b of an elastic material may be secured within a pocket 42 formedalong an underside portion at the wider end 14 a of the sleeve 14 (and asimilar arrangement may be provided for sleeve 12), that extendspartially along the first opening 19 to be spaced apart from theextension 14 c. The cinch 16 may be adapted to adjust a size of thefirst opening 19. For example, a releasable connector 44 may connect thelengths 16 a, 16 b and allow for shortening to reduce the opening of thewider end 14 a of the sleeve, and thereby connect it to the upper armand shoulder region of the user.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the sleeves 12, 14 may each be provided with aliner 46, such as a first liner 46 a adapted to be positioned within thefirst sleeve 12, and a second liner 46 b adapted to be positioned withinthe second sleeve 14. The liners 46 may comprise an insulative materialadapted to keep the user warm, such as for example wool or fleece. Theinsulative material may include a thermal resistance value that isgreater than a thermal resistance value of the panel 13 of each sleeve12, 14. The liners 46 may include a plurality of liner fasteners 48(e.g., buttons or snaps) for mating with corresponding fasteners 50 ofthe sleeves 12, 14. Each sleeve 12, 14 may include a plurality of sleevefasteners 50 (the corresponding fasteners 50) that include two fasteners50 a coupled to the extension 12 c, 14 c and another fastener 50 bcoupled to the panel 13 adjacent the underarm portion 19 b of the firstopening 19. The plurality of liner fasteners 48 may be positioned on theliners 46 to be attachable to the plurality of sleeve fasteners 50.

Another example of use is shown in FIG. 9 where the selective attachmentof the sleeves 12, 14 to waders 52 is shown. Specifically, the shoulderportion P of the waders 52 may be wader straps, and one or both of thesleeves 12, 14 may be connected to the wader straps of the waders 52.This may provide protection against the elements, such as sunlight S, orpests or bugs B, while donning the waders 52.

The sleeves 12, 14 may be fabricated from a durable, resilient, andflexible material, such as for example cotton (including as a rip stopmaterial), twill, nylon (e.g. CORDURA), or other polymeric materials.The flexible nature of the material allows for the sleeves 12, 14 to berolled up for compact storage, such as in a pocket 54 of the vest V, asshown in FIG. 10 (note unfurled sleeve 14, partially rolled sleeve 14′,and fully rolled sleeve 14″ for insertion in the pocket 54 of vest V).Surface patterns, such as coloring or camouflage, may also be providedas desired for a particular application. For example, a bright coloring,such as orange, may be provided to increase visibility when worn duringhunting or at a construction site (note bands 56 in FIG. 11 , which maybe reflective material, and may be provided on both sleeves 12, 14, aswell as possibly on the associated vest V). For example, the sleeves 12,14 may include a plurality of reflectors, such as the note bands 56formed of a high visibility material, positioned on the forearm portion31, the upper arm portion 33, or other components, such as theadjustable strap 18, of the sleeves 12, 14. High visibility materialscan include, for example, a neon color, a reflective tape having highluminescence, or the like.

Yet another example is provided in FIG. 12 . In the depicted embodiment,the apparel is a poncho 60 that includes connectors, such as straps 62,associated with each shoulder portion. The straps 62 may be providedalong an interior of the poncho 60, and thus adapted to receive andconnect with the sleeves 12, 14, such as strap 20 b and an associatedconnector 22 b (but buttons or other types of connectors could be usedas noted previously). The straps 62 may extend transversely to thestraps 20 b of the sleeves 12, 14 to define a first slit 62 a and asecond slit 62 b in the shoulder portion of the poncho 60 that permitthe extension 12 c, 14 c and the strap 20 a, 20 b to be adapted to bepositionable through each of the first slit 62 a and the second slit 62b to selectively couple the sleeve 12, 14 to the poncho 60. For example,the strap 20 b of the sleeve 12, 14 may extend through the slits 62 a,62 b and be wrapped around the strap 62 of the poncho 60, as indicatedon the right hand side of FIG. 12 by action arrow W. The resultingponcho 60 thus may selectively include full arm protection, and mayinclude a pocket 64 for storing the sleeves 12, 14 when not in use.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way ofexample, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

“Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of” as usedherein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or“contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-endedterms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and donot exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recitedcomponents, features, element, members, steps, known in the art ordisclosed therein.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. The embodiments described provide the best illustration ofthe inventive principles and their practical applications to therebyenable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular sleeve system comprising: a sleevecomprising: a panel forming a hollow body having a first end and anopposite second end, the hollow body defines a first opening at thefirst end and a second opening at the second end, the first opening hasa shoulder portion and an underarm portion; a connector coupled to thepanel; and a strap coupled to the panel and adapted to be received bythe connector.
 2. The modular sleeve system of claim 1, wherein thepanel further comprises an extension extending from the shoulder portionof the first opening away from the panel, the connector being coupled tothe extension, and the strap being coupled to the hollow body.
 3. Themodular sleeve system of claim 2, wherein the sleeve includes a passagecoupled to the extension for at least partially receiving the strap. 4.The modular sleeve system of claim 2, wherein the extension has a highfriction surface.
 5. The modular sleeve system of claim 2, furthercomprising a liner adapted to be positioned within the sleeve, the linercomprising an insulative material having a thermal resistance value thatis greater than a thermal resistance value of the panel of the sleeve,and a plurality of liner fasteners, wherein the sleeve further comprisesa plurality of sleeve fasteners including at least one fastener coupledto the extension and at least one fastener coupled to the panel adjacentthe underarm portion of the first opening, the plurality of linerfasteners are positioned to be attachable to the plurality of sleevefasteners.
 6. The modular sleeve system of claim 1, wherein the sleevefurther comprises a cinch at the first end of the hollow body thatextends partially along the first opening to be adapted to adjust a sizeof the first opening.
 7. A modular sleeve system comprising: a firstsleeve and a second sleeve spaced apart from the first sleeve, each ofthe first sleeve and the second sleeve comprises: a panel forming ahollow body having a first end and an opposite second end, the hollowbody defines a first opening at the first end and a second opening atthe second end, the first opening has a shoulder portion and an underarmportion positioned closer to the second opening than the shoulderportion; a strap coupled to the panel, at least one of the first sleeveand the second sleeve comprise a connector coupled to the respectivepanel and adapted to receive the strap of either the first sleeve or thesecond sleeve.
 8. The modular sleeve system of claim 7, wherein thepanel of each of the first and second sleeves further comprises anextension extending from the shoulder portion of the first opening awayfrom the panel, the connector being coupled to the extension, and thestrap being coupled to the hollow body.
 9. The modular sleeve system ofclaim 8, further comprising a first liner adapted to be positionedwithin the first sleeve, and a second liner adapted to be positionedwithin the second sleeve, each liner comprising an insulative materialhaving a thermal resistance value that is greater than a thermalresistance value of the panel of each sleeve, and a plurality of linerfasteners, wherein each sleeve further comprises a plurality of sleevefasteners including at least one fastener coupled to the extension andat least one fastener coupled to the panel adjacent the underarm portionof the first opening, the plurality of liner fasteners are positioned tobe attachable to the plurality of sleeve fasteners.
 10. The modularsleeve system of claim 8, wherein each of the first sleeve and thesecond sleeve includes a passage coupled to the extension for at leastpartially receiving the strap.
 11. The modular sleeve system of claim 8,wherein the extension has a high friction surface.
 12. The modularsleeve system of claim 7, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeveeach further comprise a cinch at the first end of the hollow body thatextends partially along the first opening to be adapted to adjust a sizeof the first opening.
 13. The modular sleeve system of claim 7, whereinthe first sleeve and the second sleeve each further comprise a secondstrap spaced apart from the strap and extending from the first opening,and a connector coupled to the second strap configured to selectivelycouple to the connector of the other sleeve.
 14. The modular sleevesystem of claim 13, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve eachfurther comprises a slit formed in the panel at the first end adjacentthe first opening adapted to receive the second strap of the respectivesleeve, and a second connector coupled to the second strap configured toreceive an end of the second strap that is fed through the slit tocouple the second strap to the panel.
 15. A modular sleeve systemcomprising: an item of apparel comprising a shoulder portion thatextends between a shoulder and a neck of a wearer, the shoulder portionhaving a thickness; and a sleeve comprising: a panel forming a hollowbody having a first end and an opposite second end, the hollow bodydefines a first opening at the first end and a second opening at thesecond end, the first opening has a shoulder portion and an underarmportion; a connector coupled to the panel; and a strap coupled to thepanel and adapted to be received by the connector, the connector isspaced apart a distance from a position that the strap is coupled to thepanel, the distance being greater than the thickness of the shoulderportion to allow the strap of the sleeve to extend around the shoulderportion and couple to the connector.
 16. The modular sleeve system ofclaim 15, wherein the panel further comprises an extension extendingfrom the shoulder portion of the first opening away from the panel, theconnector being coupled to the extension, and the strap being coupled tothe hollow body, the extension of the sleeve extends a length that isgreater than the thickness of the shoulder portion of the item ofapparel to be adapted to extend under the shoulder portion of the itemof apparel to allow the strap of the sleeve to extend around theshoulder portion of the item of apparel and couple to the connector onthe extension.
 17. The modular sleeve system of claim 15, wherein theitem of apparel comprises a poncho including a first slit and a secondslit in the shoulder portion of the poncho, the connector and the strapof the sleeve is adapted to be positionable through each of the firstslit and the second slit to selectively couple the sleeve to the poncho.18. The modular sleeve system of claim 15, wherein the item of apparelcomprises a backpack, and the shoulder portion of the item of apparelcomprises a backpack strap.
 19. The modular sleeve system of claim 15,wherein the item of apparel comprises a vest.
 20. The modular sleevesystem of claim 15, wherein the item of apparel comprises a pair ofwaders, and the shoulder portion of the item of apparel comprises awader strap.